Stone Door at South Cumberland State Park

We recently took a quick trip to South Cumberland State Park and hiked to the Great Stone Door. This was a an fairly easy 1.6 mile out and back hike. The Great Stone Door at South Cumberland State Park and together with the Savage Gulf Area they make up about 55 miles of hiking with amazing views, overlooks, waterfalls, and historic locations. Our hike to the Great Stone Door at South Cumberland State Park took around 2 hours including the time we spent at the overlook and going down into the gulf. Please note: this post may contain affiliate links.

Great Stone Door

The trail was well maintained. It was mostly smooth and level with a few areas where tree roots or rocks had to be navigated. Even those obstacles were pretty minimal. The scenery along the trail was impressive. Occasionally, you get a small glimpse into the valley below and get that much more excited about reaching the overlook.

Once you reach the overlook area of the Great Stone Door you have a few options. There are two bluffs you can step out on to view the valley below. Both overlooks offer amazing scenery, and it would be difficult to choose one. I recommend stepping out on both of them. Although walking out on them can be a little panic inducing if you have any problem with heights like me.

We sat on the edge of the bluff and let the breeze rush past us. It is an amazing feeling looking out over the valley and just being still. I could have sat there all day, but there was more trail that I wanted to explore. Next to the Stone Door Overlook, is a huge crack in the rocks that gives the area its name. This gap has a stairway leading down to the gulf. We had to check it out.

After we explored below the bluff a little we decided it was time for lunch and headed back to the car for a short break.

We rested for maybe 30 minutes and decided that the sign by the ranger station announcing Laurel Falls was only 287 yards away was too interesting to pass up.

Laurel Falls

Most of the 287 yards to the falls from the ranger station are down a long series of stairs built into the hillside. As long as you pace yourself going in and out the steps are not to bad. Unfortunately Middle Tennessee has not had much rainfall lately and the falls were dry.

The view was still beautiful and I can’t think of a better way to spend a day in the fall. The weather was perfect, the leaves were at their peak, and everyone we met was friendly. Since the water was gone we walked over to where the falls normally flow to look back at the observation deck.

South Cumberland State park is quickly becoming one of my favorites. After our recent trip to Fiery Gizzard and now this trip to the Great Stone Door I am blown away by what this park has to offer. I plan to spend a lot more time there in the coming months.

Enjoy one more shot from Stone Door!

What are your favorite hikes in Middle Tennessee? Have you been to Stone Door? Where else should we go? Let us know in the comment section.

I have been reading so much about Tennessee lately, and when I read the title of this post, I thought of the Lord of the Rings or some other giant door leading to a magical world. I would love to climb up that secret stairway between the crack in the rocks. Just beautiful!

We are planning on going to the Cumberland Plateau next year when we go to TBEX. Hopefully, some friends will be taking us on some wild caving trips while we are out there. Your post and pictures were beautiful and we can’t wait to see it in person.

What beautiful scenery–it reminds me of hikes I’ve taken near Julian in California and in the Cascade mountain range in Washington. I think hiking is one of the best pastimes for fall…temperatures are cooler, and the fall colors add so much!

I am continuing to be very impressed by North America’s parks and how well they’re maintained. I love nature and whilst not a huge keen hiker, love to amble around and appreciate the sights and sounds.

That looks like a fantastic hike through a very scenic park. I had no idea that Tennessee is so beautiful since I don’t really know much about Tennessee. The looks outs are great but not sure how close to the edge I would get. We’ll be sure to check out Great Stone Door whenever we get to Tennessee.

I have never been in Tennessee but hopefully someday I will. This hike looks beautiful. I love being in the nature and hiking, and this would be something I would absolutely love to do. In such a great weather too! Looks so much fun.

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